Wattle with Z-Wave (Beta) release

Finally! The first release with Z-wave support on our new gateway. For this release we give you a Beta edition of the Z-wave module, with a limited device support. We are continuously working to add more support and function to our Z-wave portfolio.

Introduction to Z-Wave

Z-Wave is a wireless based communication protocol, designed by Zensys, and used in smart home systems. It uses mesh networking, this means that all permanently powered devices, act as routers and extenders, increasing the network range. For user protection, communication is encrypted for those devices that support this.

Z-Wave beta implementation

When using Z-Wave, its important that adding and removing devices is done in the correct manner. Please read the manual for each device prior to adding or removing within the system. Once a device is in the system the user can configure it for use and the wanted purposes. The system monitors the network and reports back any changes in the network (for example the status update of each device. If device does not report in the specific time frame it will be set as offline).

While we believe that most Z-Wave devices will work with our beta driver, we know that some devices will not work. A list of devices we have tested, and that work can be found here:

This list will expand as we test new devices. Please let us know if you have any success or failure with a device that is not on the list. A list of devices that works with Wattle can be found here.

Adding devices

Adding a device should be as easy. In most cases you add power to the device, scan it and follow the inclusion steps from the user manual. This should result in the device being found and added. On the other hand, if it does not show up, the process of resetting and inclusion of the device might be different, and may be more complicated than for ZigBee. Please refer to the device user manual on how to reset and include the device.

Once added, the device should be acting as any other device.

Removing devices

To remove a device from the network you have to go through a somewhat different routine. Z-Wave does not allow the gateway to remove a device from the network per-se. The device itself must leave the network. In addition, the gateway must be in a “remove” state for that to be allowed. After pressing delete on the device in the app, you should perform the sequence described in the device user manual to remove it from the network.

If the device is not removed properly it then becomes a ghost device, and it will not be shown in the mobile app. After a period of time being an inactive ghost device in the system the device will be removed. In order to use the same device again, one must perform factory reset on the device. The reset procedure is described in devices manual.

Future Z-Wave implementation

The current implementation is a beta Z-Wave release and does not have complete Z-Wave support. In the future the Z-Wave implementation will be completely Z-Wave compliant and certified, so that all certified Z-Wave devices on the market can be used with our smart home system.

Security

While the Z-Wave standard has support for encryption, it is not a fundamental part of the Z-Wave protocol. As such, a lot of devices do not support it. Even some security products have no encryption support. Please be careful if you plan to add security devices using Z-Wave to your system.